First Wind, an independent U.S.-based renewable energy company, says it has once again partnered with teachers in local classrooms in the company's host communities to make contributions toward local education projects.

In May 2012, First Wind began a strategic partnership with DonorsChoose.org in order to enhance the value of the company's financial contributions in host communities. The developer says it extended the relationship in 2013 and increased its funding to $15,000.

Through DonorsChoose, First Wind supports teachers and their innovative classroom projects in its host communities. In its second full year, First Wind says it funded 43 projects at 31 schools, reaching nearly 2,600 students.

For example, First Wind donated funds toward a project to supply graphing calculators for a pre-calculus classroom in Mars Hill, Maine, which is near the Mars Hill project. First Wind also donated funds to a classroom in Cedar City, Utah, which is near the Milford Wind projects, to help the classroom purchase books to implement the S.T.E.A.M. program (Science & Technology interpreted through Engineering & the Arts, all based in Mathematical elements).

“As we continue to grow, First Wind is committed to being an active community member, and we want to help support innovative and exciting educational projects in our host communities,” says Carol Grant, senior vice president of external affairs at First Wind.

First Wind notes it has donated to classrooms in or near many of the communities where it has projects, including Sheffield and Lyndonville, Vt.; Danforth, Maine; Beaver, Utah; Boston; Kahuku, Hawaii; and Tekoa, Wash.